Faced with Alex's politeness and civility, Chen Manager, albeit perplexed, refrained from inquiring further and merely stated, "Please let me know if you require anything, Assistant. I'll do my utmost to oblige."
"Mm," Alex nodded, "Just leave it there. I'll review it later."
The Financial Manager placed the financial reports on the desk and inquired, "Is there anything else you need, Assistant?"
"No, you may go now."
"Yes, ma'am."
As Chen Manager departed, Alex resumed her perusal of the business documents. Truth be told, she was still adjusting to the intricacies of commerce, and thus, she needed to swiftly acclimatize herself.
After a month of diligent effort, 'Alex's' transformation had significantly improved the employees' perception of her, transforming her from the feared 'Tyrant' into a benevolent yet authoritative 'Sage Ruler'.
Throughout this month, Sheng Xiangdong had relentlessly called and texted her, yet Alex had ignored them all, effectively disappearing from his radar.
Though angered by Alex's actions, they had piqued his curiosity. He had never been so compelled to understand a woman, to uncover every aspect of her being.
On this weekend, Alex had intended to visit the Taekwondo gym after lunch, but at ten o'clock, Mrs. Andra insisted on taking her out, citing a newly opened high-end western restaurant in the city center that she had thoroughly enjoyed with her friends.
However, Alex was perplexed by the need to change into a pretty dress for lunch.
Suspiciously, Alex gazed at Mrs. Andra.
Meeting Alex's scrutinizing gaze, Mrs. Andra's demeanor faltered slightly, "It's a sophisticated western restaurant. Your sportswear would be out of place."
Acknowledging the truth in Mrs. Andra's words, Alex reluctantly changed into a dress.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, Alex realized she had been duped.
Sheng Xiangdong's expression visibly faltered upon seeing Alex, but he swiftly regained his composure, his lips curling into a knowing smile as he gazed at her.
"This must be Alex. Such a beautiful young lady," Mrs. Sheng exclaimed, her eyes filled with warmth and delight.
"Aunt Jiang, you're equally as lovely. I've heard from my mother that you had quite a following in your youth," Alex replied, her tone respectful and polite, causing Mrs. Sheng to beam with joy.
"This child has a sweet tongue. Truly endearing," Mrs. Sheng said, pleased.
"Don't flatter her too much, Jiang," Mrs.Andra intervened, turning to Sheng Xiangdong. "Your son, Xiangdong, is also quite accomplished. Starting his own company at such a young age and achieving such success. Truly remarkable."
"That rascal is far from perfect, as you say. At twenty-seven, he's still without a companion, while others his age are already starting families. It's a constant worry for me," Mrs. Sheng lamented.
"Mom, do you have to be so harsh on me?" Sheng Xiangdong protested, looking wounded.
"Am I wrong? If you married a girl as wonderful as Alex, would I scold you?" Mrs. Sheng said, her intention to matchmake between Alex and Sheng Xiangdong unmistakable.
"Alright, alright, let's not discuss the children further. They'll figure out their own business. Let's enjoy our tea and shopping instead," Mrs. Andra suggested with a knowing smile, turning to Alex. "This is Aunt Jiang's son, Xiangdong."
Following Mrs. Andra's cue, Alex looked at Sheng Xiangdong, who extended his hand gracefully. "Hello, I'm Sheng Xiangdong."
Not wanting to be rude, Alex shook his hand. "Hello, I'm Alex."
Alex.
He grinned triumphantly, realizing that fate had indeed brought them together without effort.
Throughout the meal, Alex found it difficult to savor the food, having to maintain politeness while occasionally catching Sheng Xiangdong's gaze. She couldn't help but wonder, didn't he like Tian Tian? Why was he flirting with her? Was he trying to use his charm on her?
Contemplating this, Alex immediately activated her 'insulation mode,' completely ignoring Sheng Xiangdong.
Seeing Alex's lack of enthusiasm, Mrs. Andra devised a plan to leave the two of them alone...
After lunch, Mrs. Andra and Mrs. Sheng departed for a round of golf, leaving Alex to show Sheng Xiangdong around the city.
Unable to decline in front of the elders, Alex reluctantly agreed. As she watched Mrs. Andra and Mrs. Sheng drive away, she turned to leave, only to be blocked by Sheng Xiangdong. "Where are you going?"
"Home," Alex replied without hesitation.
"But you promised to show me around," Sheng Xiangdong said earnestly.
"I'm sorry, I suddenly remembered I have something to attend to. Perhaps you could find someone else. I'm sure many women would be eager to accompany Mr. Sheng," Alex suggested, knowing that with Sheng Xiangdong's credentials, he could easily attract a crowd of women.
"But I only want to spend time with you," Sheng Xiangdong said, his tone slightly suggestive.
"Hmph!" Alex snorted. "Mr. Sheng, I'm genuinely busy and can't afford to waste time with you. If you're bored, attend to your heart's desire."
"Heart's desire? What are you talking about?" When did he have a heart's desire?
Sheng Xiangdong frowned, thoroughly confused, but to Alex, he was merely feigning ignorance. She stepped forward, staring intently into his eyes, and asked coldly, "Don't you like Tian Tian? Why are you pestering me? What's your motive?"
Sheng Xiangdong was baffled by Alex's barrage of questions, his expression perplexed as he replied, "Who's Tian Tian?"
Alex paused, then asked, "You don't know Tian Tian?"
"Of course not. I've never heard of her," Sheng Xiangdong protested innocently.
In her previous life, Sheng Xiangdong and Tian Tian had already met by this point, but Sheng Xiangdong's demeanor suggested he wasn't lying. Could it be that they hadn't met yet?
"Never mind," Alex said, shaking off her confusion. Regardless of whether Sheng Xiangdong knew Tian Tian or not, she didn't want anything to do with him.
"Who is Tian Tian, and why do you say I like her?" Sheng Xiangdong grasped Alex's wrist as she turned to leave, his voice grave.
Alex withdrew her hand, smiling faintly. "I was just speculating."
"..."
"Mr. Sheng, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now. Goodbye...or rather, let's avoid each other if possible," Alex said before turning to leave. However, she was halted by Sheng Xiangdong's grasp, forcing her to face him again. "Mr. Sheng, what else do you need?" she asked impatiently.
Meeting Alex's disdainful gaze, Sheng Xiangdong felt a twinge of defeat. "Why do you dislike me so much?"
"Dislike is dislike; does it require a reason?" Alex replied, her eyes unwavering.
Sheng Xiangdong's pupils constricted. She truly disliked him.